Learning Neurofeedback:
suggestions for professionals just getting
started
by John N Demos, MA, LCMHC, BCIA-EEG



Looking for quality training in the field of biofeedback and neurofeedback can
be quite perplexing to the clinician just getting started with Neurofeedback.
One of the reasons I wrote my book "Getting Started with Neurofeedback" was
to provide professionals with an anchor, to ground them in generally accepted
neurofeedback practice. Although, many articles had been written to help one
understand the depth and breath of one or another topic in neurofeedback,
there was a dearth of literature that was easy to understand. Consequently,
for those who lacked a background in electroencephalography (EEG) dynamics
and neurology getting started with neurofeedback was typically a daunting
affair. In the same way, the purpose and scope of my training seminars has
always been to provide information for the practicing clinician rather than for
the researcher. Furthermore, I have tried to avoid the trap of becoming wed to
the latest fad in neurofeedback or to insist that one approach to
neurofeedback is the penultimate method.

A well rounded training seminar ought to introduce students to several training
methodologies: there is a need for eclecticism in neurofeedback. Over the
years, numerous key figures have developed training concepts in
neurofeedback that have worked. Individuals such as Margaret Ayers, Joel
Lubar, Robert Gurnee, Jay Gunkelman, Michael & Linda Thompson, Sue &
Siegfried Othmer, Eugene Peniston, Cory Hammond, Michael Tansey, Thomas
& Linda Brownback, Bill Scott, Hershel Toomim and Richard Soutar-to name a
few. By drawing from their accumulated knowledge it's possible to match the
client/trainee with the protocol that fits the best.

The first and foremost issue in getting started with neurofeedback is to help
the student understand the basics. Questions are often raised such as, what is
the electroencephalography (EEG); how does its activity relate to the neurons
and brain lobes; how can electrodes placed on top of the head actually get
electrical readings below the skull? It's essential to take the mystery out of
neurofeedback.

Students need to learn how to differential between normal and abnormal EEG
activity. One way to begin to do this is by assessing the Brain at 5 key sites
with electrodes. Next, EEG data is collated and examined to see if it explains
why there are symptoms and how they can be corrected. Finally, the student
is faced with the decision: how to choose the correct protocol. Needless to say,
5 sites are just a beginning, more data is needed, but something is better than
nothing, and I caution students away from the practice of protocol selection
based solely on symptoms rather than creating protocols based upon three
necessary ingredients: (A) Symptoms, (B) EEG, (C) Neurology. Later on, when
their practice develops many students decide to invest in assessment
equipment that will check more than 5 key sites.

When students have finished "Getting Started with Neurofeedback" training
they are encouraged to begin acquiring data from family and friends. The goal
is not to treat family or friends; rather it is to learn the science of assessment
and the skill of electrode placement. When enough confidence has been
mustered, it's often time to get a mentor and begin the practice of
neurofeedback. The goal is to master basic skills and to be able to treat
problems that are the most likely to respond to neurofeedback: various stress
related problems respond well to neurofeedback.

Neurofeedback is a therapy or a training modality and not a treatment for any
disorder. However, peer reviewed studies have shown the value of
neurofeedback training when applied to any one of a long list of eggregious
problems--a comprehensive list can be found at www.isnr.org.

After practicing for a few months students return for more training. Many
newcomers request mentoring assistance to get started. Some have entered
into a brief internship program. Stress Therapy Solutions
(www.stresstherapysolutions.com) provides clinicians advanced training. I
like to discuss one of my programs. I offer a three day intensive program that
introduces clinicians to MiniQ brain mapping. Participants are trained in the art
of mounting EEG recording caps and acquiring reliable EEG data. Towards that
end I have created a normative database from about 80 adults and children.
Topographical brain maps are created and then used to develop
neurofeedback training protocols. The goal is to help students to break into the
field of Quantitative EEG while still paying attention to the budget.

Getting Started with Neurofeedback is for clinicians who want to help patients
with cutting edge treatments that directly impact the nature and metabolism
of the brain. However, neurofeedback is not adequately learned in a weekend
workshop. It is investment in your own personal growth as a clinician.
Personally, I found that neurofeedback has opened up new therapy vistas. I
now see clients who have not responded to either counseling modalities or
medication. It is extremely satisfying to see clients heal themselves through
the power of their own cerebral cortex.

One last topic: I want to address the value of getting certified in the field of
neurofeedback. In past decades we have seen the rise of numerous serious
therapy modalities and treatments such as acupuncture, reflexology, massage
and many others. One thing they all have in common-a central form of
certification and in a few cases state licensure have been created by
experience practitioners. It is my contention that certification is necessary in
order to maintain the credibility of both the clinician and the field as a whole.
Certification demonstrates that the clinician is willing to stand before his
advanced peers and prove that he or she has learned the basics. National
Certification is similar to state licensure. Likely, as the field of neurofeedback
expands we will find more and more interest in state licensure. Clinicians who
establish their credentials sooner will not have regrets at a later time.

So, if you are just getting started with neurofeedback, I invite you to attend
the upcoming program at FutureHealth. Look for Getting Started programs in
Cleveland, OH and Brattleboro, VT for 2007. If you come, please read Part I of
my book and get ready consider the power of changing the brain through
biofeedback.

About the author:

John N Demos, MA, LCMHC, BCIA-EEG is the Educational Director of Stress
Therapy Solutions, Inc. He is certified by the Biofeedback Certification Institute
of America (BCIA) in the field of EEG-biofeedback. His "Getting Started with
Neurofeedback" training seminars are also accredited by BCIA. Those
seminars are in part based upon his book "Getting Started with
Neurofeedback" published by WW Norton & Co. Currently, he is conducting
on-line group mentoring classes for those reaching out for certification. He
may be reached at workshop@eegvermont.com